How to Make My Pregnant Dog Comfortable
Pregnant dogs need exercise, rest and tender, loving care in order to stay comfortable. You will also need to provide top-quality nutrition in order to soothe any nausea your pregnant dog is experiencing. Some pregnant dogs enjoy receiving a gentle massage on the paws, back and belly. Any sources of stress should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly as delivery approaches.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Call your vet and schedule an examination at around 30 days following mating in order to confirm that your dog is pregnant and discuss her medical needs during pregnancy. If your dog has special needs, she may need to visit the vet sooner than 30 days after she has mated. A dog must be pain-free to be comfortable, so it's important to address any medical problems that could plague your dog during pregnancy.
-
2
Exercise your pregnant dog gently but regularly. Don't start a new exercise routine or compete in canine sports during your dog's pregnancy, but do continue with at-home exercise to which your dog is already accustomed. A slow walk or a game of fetch every day will keep your dog fit and happy during pregnancy.
-
-
3
Continue using a heartworm preventive if your dog is accustomed to taking one. All heartworm preventives currently on the market are safe for use in pregnancy. Most will also provide some protection against other parasites.
-
4
Add a premium quality puppy food to your dog's meals during the last five weeks of pregnancy. This will provide extra nutrition that is easily digestible, which helps both by supporting the healthy growth of your dog's puppies and by helping her to avoid nausea and diarrhea during pregnancy.
-
5
Explore alternative therapies to increase your dog's comfort level and decrease her stress level during pregnancy. You can perform a gentle massage or apply essential oils by yourself, though you should talk to your vet before using any essential oil product on a pregnant dog. If your dog seems especially uncomfortable during her pregnancy, consider hiring a professional canine massage therapist to come to your home and massage your dog.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Your pregnant dog needs time to rest away from any type of stress. If she doesn't want to interact with your family or other pets, don't attempt to force her to socialize. Allow her to retreat to a quiet, dark place instead.
A pregnant dog will begin "nesting" in the final days and weeks of pregnancy. Try to indulge this behavior by offering appropriate objects and items.
Accustom your dog to her whelping box long before delivery. Consider placing her favorite bed or blanket in it to encourage her to sleep there.
Don't hesitate to contact your vet if your dog seems to be in pain during pregnancy. Some discomfort is inevitable, but pain and stress can be signs of serious complications with the pregnancy.
Never allow children or other pets to pester a pregnant dog. Your dog may bite or growl if she is bothered while she is attempting to isolate herself and rest or nest.
Avoid any major changes to your dog's lifestyle while she is pregnant. If a change must be made, try to make it gradually so as to keep stress to a minimum.
Don't vaccinate a pregnant dog. Vaccines aren't safe for developing puppies. Instead, boost your dog's vaccinations before breeding.
